Signing up for a new type of sport or training can be super exciting, but also pretty nerve wracking at the same time.
After all, nobody wants to turn up to their first class completely unprepared or look like a fool.
If you want to avoid embarrassing yourself before your first ever Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class even starts, then here are some hints and tips you should follow to make sure you are fully prepared.
This way, you can set off on the right foot and focus on your training and enjoyment.
So, let’s get started!
Make Sure You Are Hygienically Ready
It’s amazing how much of a sweat you can build up during a typical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.
So, while it makes sense to shower and clean yourself up after your class, you should also make sure you are clean and fresh before your class begins.
So, shower before your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class so you are completely sweat and grime-free before you get down to business.
You should also wear deodorant and bring your spray along to reapply it after your class as well.
If your class begins after lunch, then you may want to floss or pop a breath mint to avoid any embarrassing bad breath when meeting your teachers and sparring partners for the first time.
All of these above tips are all about setting a good first impression so try to follow them as best as you can!
For safety reasons, you may also want to shorten your fingernails.
This is because when sparring, you can easily scratch your opponent or even catch your own fingernail and break it.
So, it’s important that you trim your fingernails and toenails down to keep yourself and others safe!
What To Wear
Wearing the wrong kind of clothes is a faux pas a lot of people make when turning up to any kind of martial arts class, yet alone Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
It’s important before your class begins that you call up to see what you should wear for your first class.
Some classes will require you to find and buy your own Gi first, while others will lend you Gi until you are ready to buy your own.
Because of this, you may need to turn up wearing normal clothes or your own Gi!
No matter what you wear, there should always be changing rooms at hand so you can change no matter what but the last thing you want is to turn up in regular clothes when everyone else has already changed into their Gi, or to be the only one wearing their Gi at all!
So, call up your dojo or gym and ask well before your class is due to start.
If in doubt, just wear regular clothes and shoes and bring your own Gi. Jeans, shirts, and regular shoes are all fine to wear for your first appearance but you should always take a pair of flip flops with you too.
This is because in the gym itself, there will be areas where you cannot wear shoes.
Once you change into your Gi, you will be instructed to remove your shoes but walking around barefoot increases your risk of catching all kinds of infections on your feet.
So, wearing flip flops where you can will help protect your feet.
However, once you are about to step onto the mat, you should remove your flip flops!
So – bring your Gi and a pair of flip flops, but wear normal clothes when heading into the dojo or gym itself (Find out how to fold your gi here)!
What To Bring
While everyone is usually obsessed with bringing the right kind of clothes, a lot of people also forget some of the basic items that you need to bring.
So, in your gym bag, make sure that you have packed everything you need.
If you will need your flip flops and either your karate Gi or a spare change of clothes depending on what you are wearing into the gym.
On top of that, you will need to bring a water bottle and make sure it’s topped up.
Some gyms will have a water fountain for you to refill your bottle but it’s best to make sure you have enough going into your class.
A towel and some toiletries like soap and deodorant is also a must. Most gyms will have shower amenities on site so you can wash off all the sweat you have worked up through your class.
So, unless you want to leave smelling like body odor, it’s important to ensure that you bring something with you to clean yourself up afterwards.
A hairbrush and hair tie is also recommended if you have long hair, and a glasses case if you wear glasses.
Turn Up Early
For your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, it’s always a good idea to turn a little bit earlier so you can properly introduce yourself to your teachers and instructors.
You can also say hi to all the other students as they file in.
This is a great way for you to start building connections early on so you don’t feel isolated or like a stranger in the rest of the class.
It’s important not to feel too shy and because everyone else was the new starter at some point, all the other students will also know just how scary it can be.
So, be friendly and everyone else should be super welcoming and excited to get you set up in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
You may also be required to sign some forms or paperwork, such as a waiver, so it’s always a great idea to head in a bit early so you can be fully prepared to start on time with the rest of the class!
Final Thoughts
So, all you have to do is follow the above tips and hints so you can be fully prepared for your first ever Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class!
It’s also a good idea to brush up on the rules of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu first but your instructor should teach you everything you need to know during your class.
Just make sure you have all the right things and you’ll do just fine!
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